Update: U.S. 97 reopens following deadly crash north of La Pine
Gregory Deffenbaugh
(Update: Adding video)
UPDATE: Oregon State Police have released new information on Friday’s crash, including the names of the people involved. Below is the press release provided by State Troopers.
Deschutes County, Ore. 25 May 2025- On Friday, May 23, 2025, at 2:22 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97, near milepost 164, in Deschutes County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a 2003 Ford Taurus, operated by Marvin Lee Cudd Jr. (76) of Sunriver, was stopped on the northbound shoulder of Highway 97 facing westbound, perpendicular to the roadway. The Ford began to cross the highway and was struck by a northbound Chevrolet Silverado 2500, operated by Joshua Dale Musick (43) of Christmas Valley, on the driverside door.
The operator of the Ford (Cudd) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Chevrolet (Musick) suffered minor injuries.
The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by LaPine Fire, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and ODOT.
UPDATE: The scene has been cleared by first responders and the roadway is open in both directions.
La Pine, Ore. – A crash has closed parts of U.S. Highway 97 just north of La Pine, impacting traffic in both directions. As of now, all southbound lanes are closed, while northbound traffic is reduced to a single lane.
Emergency crews are on the scene, and drivers are advised to use caution and expect delays in the area. The Oregon Department of Transportation is assisting with traffic management and cleanup efforts.
For the latest updates, viewers can check the KTVZ app, which provides real-time information through ODOT’s TripCheck system.
Please avoid the area if possible and seek alternate routes.